NFL teams approve expanded international scheduling

NFL teams approved a resolution Wednesday extending the league’s ability to play international regular-season games, and increasing the opportunity to hold games in countries and territories beyond the United Kingdom.

The league passed a resolution in 2011 allowing for international games to be scheduled in the UK through the 2016 season. The new movement extends the league's international scheduling powers and ensures continued scheduling through 2025.

“This marks an important step in our long-term international growth,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in a statement. “Fans in the UK have responded incredibly well to the regular-season games we have played in London since 2007. They have demanded more NFL games, and we have worked to accommodate them. We think it’s time to expand our International Series to other countries and respond to the growing interest in our game not only in the UK, but elsewhere around the world.”

Earlier this year, the NFL and English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur announced an agreement to play a minimum of two games annually at Tottenham's new stadium, which is set to open Summer 2018.

London’s Wembley Stadium hosted Sunday’s game between the Jets and Dolphins to a sellout crowd and has hosted 12 games to date, with two more contests on this year’s schedule: Oct. 25 between the Bills and Jaguars and Nov.1 between the Lions and Chiefs.

More NFL

We've Got Apps Too

Get expert analysis, unrivaled access, and the award-winning storytelling only SI can provide - from Peter King, Tom Verducci, Lee Jenkins, Seth Davis, and more - delivered straight to you, along with up-to-the-minute news and live scores.